When the group walked inside the Judgment room, they saw a sort of machine with 12 podiums all around it with the upper layer surrounded by screens.
"What is this room? It seems so different." Nagi said.
"This place is strange… but a different sort of strange than everywhere else we've been. What does it all mean…?" Sojiro asked as the door closed behind them.
"Huh? T-the door is shut! Are we locked in!?" Marco asked.
"Oh no… Did we walk right into a trap?" Yoko asked.
"Impossible! How can we, defenders of justice, ever fall into a trap!?" George asked.
"Pretty easily, actually." Chikasu said.
"Locking us in here, huh? I'm curious what his intentions are." Toya said.
"(What are you planning, The End...?)" Sho thought.
Mana turned her attention to the console. "This sure is a bizarre-looking machine. I wonder what it's used for."
Toya turned to the podiums. "I wonder what all these are for… There's twelve of them. Huh… One for each of us, I guess."
"Who the hell cares about that!? Let's hurry up and get outta here. I'll knock down a wall if I have to." Zenji said.
"He chose to trap us here for a reason. I assume breaking out is not going to be easy." Chikasu said.
"So we were deceived from the beginning. Is that what this is?" Himeno asked. "You can hear us, can't you? Why don't you show yourself, The End!?"
As if on cue, a man with white hair and red on its tips appears.
"We call and you show up. I didn't expect such politeness." Nagi said.
"I see you're all getting along quite well as you climb upward." The End said. "But I'd like to know… Have you managed to discover the traitor?"
"It's not as easy as all that. No one's just gonna come out and admit it." Agito said. "But c'mon, how do we know you aren't lying? I'm more of a seeing-is-believing kind of guy."
"Truth doesn't require proving." The End said. "Whether you believe me or not doesn't change the state of reality."
"Maybe, but we still don't know if you're telling the truth." Toya said.
"I have no intention of trusting the words of the enemy. Do you really think I'd believe there's a traitor among us?" Nagi asked.
"You can choose not to believe me, but eventually, your fate will be sealed." The End said. "You will have to keep moving forward if you wish to stop me. And unfortunately, in order for you to leave this room, there is a task you will need to perform."
"Quit being so ambiguous. Why don't you just hurry up and tell us what you want?" Himeno asked.
"There is something you must do first…" The End said. "You must erase one of your own, by your own hands."
"What!?" Sho asked in shock.
"Erase!? You want us to kill someone!?" George asked. "Why would we do something like that!? We are comrades fighting for the same cause!"
"You are mistaken. If there is a traitor in your midst, how can you be comrades?" The End asked.
"I noticed you didn't specifically say kill earlier." Chikasu said.
"Oh, you'll understand. For now, you must cast your votes." The End said. "You must all determine who you wish to erase."
"A-A vote that decides who gets erased…!?" Marco asked.
"So you're having us erase one of our own. Is that your game?" Himeno asked.
"Erase our own teammate!? There's no way we'd do that!" Yoko said.
"Aw, but you cannot proceed until you do." The End said. "It's not so difficult...simply erase the traitor. Assuming you've figured out their identity, that is."
"I got a better idea. Why don't I just kick your ass right here and now!" Zenji said.
"I exist on a whole different plane. I believe we've been over this… Besides, you currently do not have the power to defeat me." The End said.
Toya tried to shoot a lightning blast, only for nothing to happen. "Huh…? Well, this is rather inconvenient."
"What's wrong, Toya?" Chikasu asked.
"It looks like we can't use our abilities here." Toya said.
"How astute. Yes, as long as you remain here, you won't have your powers." The End said. "Your abilities are sealed, and you cannot use them to escape. There is no choice but to obey and participate in this little game. If you wish to climb the tower and save the world, you'll need to get your hands dirty...with the blood of your compatriots. I'll be waiting for you up above. I'm just dying to see you..." he said as he vanished.
"...And like that he's gone. What's that guy's problem!?" Agito asked.
"So let's discuss the situation, perhaps? Anyone got any ideas?" Chikasu asked.
"In order to proceed, we must erase one member from the group… In other words, The End means for us to kill each other." Sojiro said.
"No! There's no way that should be allowed!" Yoko said. "We're teammates, aren't we? Why do we have to kill each other?"
"Such a righteous opinion, but no matter how noble it sounds, you're just avoiding the problem at hand." Himeno said. "Everyone here is well aware that our true enemy is The End."
"Isn't it a bit early in the day to make such an important decision?" Agito asked.
"Y-yeah… There has to be another way out of here, right?" Marco asked.
"You said it. Perhaps we should take a gander at the room again?" Mana asked.
"But if The End is telling the truth, we need to rid ourselves of the traitor." Sojiro said.
"We're still talking about this!?" Yoko asked.
"Screw this! Whoever the traitor is has two seconds to step forward!" Zenji said.
"Calm yourself! We are playing right into the enemy's hand if we panic!" George said.
"It'd be rather typical if the bloke who keeps going on about justice were the traitor in the end." Mana said.
"What!? You suspect me!?" George asked in shock.
"Hey, let's not forget the girl with the accent. She's already putting up an act..." Agito said.
Mana giggles at this. "Oh, you flatter me. But I'm not that clever of a bird."
Toya starts to chuckle at the group's antics. "If you people point fingers long enough, just about anyone can start looking suspicious…!"
"Is this really a laughing matter?" Nagi asked.
"What's it matter if I laugh? I don't trust any of you. I don't suspect any of you, either." Toya said. "If you ask me, you're all equally insignificant."
"So you're saying that you won't hesitate to suspect or kill any of us?" Himeno asked. "That's quite the philosophy you've got."
"I thought you'd have a similar mindset, no?" Toya asked.
"I won't deny it." Himeno said.
"S-so what now...? There's no way for us to continue until we find the traitor, right…?" Marco asked.
"We can't be sure that there's no way to get out just yet." Sho said.
"Sho's right. Let's try searching again." Chikasu said.
"I guess… Alright, I'll check over there." Marco said.
"Will you be fine by yourself? I can go with you." Yoko offered.
"N-no, I'm fine. It isn't safe pairing up… you know… if there's a traitor here." Marco said.
"Sorry, Yoko, but he's got a good point." Chikasu said.
"At any rate, let's look for an exit. This room can't be completely closed off. There has to be some kind of way out." Sho said.
"...I hope that's the case." Himeno said.
Some time later, the group searched the room with no results.
"It doesn't look like there's anything here." Sho said.
"If only we can use our abilities, we can tear down these walls." Toya said.
"Oh come now, Toya. You needn't be so violent." Mana said.
"Says the girl whose ability is best suited for violence." Toya said.
Mana giggles again. "Whatever could you mean. I quite dislike violence."
"You have such superhuman strength… It's a shame. I would've been glad to count you among my soldiers." Nagi said before the group heard a scream.
"A-all of you, just stay where you are!" George said.
"Huh? What the hell are you doing, George?! Let her go!" Zenji said as the group saw George holding Yoko at swordpoint.
"Huh…? What are you doing to Yoko?" Marco asked.
"Would you stop joking around? I don't find it funny at all." Himeno said.
"I'm serious about this!" George said.
"That's enough, George! Let her go!" Chikasu said.
"Don't come any closer!" George said.
"The man seems rather worked up. He might actually be capable of going through with it, I'd say." Sojiro said.
"I… I know what this is." George said. "I heard all about it. This device is the real thing. That it… It really will erase us!"
"What are you talking about, George?" Sho asked.
"I am different from the rest of you. I must survive this ordeal!" George said. "Even if it means I have to kill you!"
"G-George, what are you saying…? No, wait…" Marco said in realization.
"You gotta be kidding. Is this happening!?" Agito asked.
"How ironic. Who would've thought The End's words would be proven in this way." Himeno said.
"George… Is this true? Are you… Are you really betraying us?" Chikasu asked.
"So there really was someone working for The End from the beginning. I'm real scared." Mana said.
"What's the meaning of this, George? You were the one most fixated on upholding justice!" Nagi said.
"I… I have my own justice I must uphold. I have things that I must protect!" George said.
"What are you talking about? We're all here in order to save the world." Sho said.
"Yes, you are right. However, I know the truth…" George said.
"Such a pity." a voice sighed as The End appeared. "George Jackman. It seems you don't quite grasp the subtlety that's required for being a turncoat."
"Wha… What do you mean?" George asked.
"There is only one way for you all to proceed, and that is to erase one of your own by your own hands." The End said. "And you must all participate in the vote to determine whom. If even a single one is missing, you will not be allowed to progress."
"That's…" George started.
"I get it… So if we lose even a single member, we won't be able to get past this room at all then?" Chikasu asked.
"For instance, if they die on the way?" Toya asked.
"What!?" George asked in shock.
"Exactly. If you wish to advance, then every last one of you must participate in the Judgment. There's no exceptions." The End said. "That is why you must cooperate, help each other, aid each other, deepen your bonds with each other… And afterwards, you must then erase one of your own comrades, after fighting alongside them just moments ago. It's the only way."
"You say some twisted things." Mana said as The End vanished.
"Screw that guy! Says his peace and then runs away!?" Zenji asked.
"Yeah, he's gotta learn how to listen. Chicks don't like guys who do all the talking." Agito said.
"Well, at least things are a bit more in our own favor now, right?" Toya asked.
"So… What's it going to be, George?" Himeno asked. "For some reason, you knew that this Judgment thing is the real deal, that it's the only way we can proceed."
"But in order for us to commence the Judgment, all of us have to be present." Chikasu said. "In other words, you can't kill the hostage you have." he said, causing George to groan and release Yoko. "Are you alright, Yoko?"
"She doesn't seem to have any external injuries." Sojiro said.
"I'm fine. I'm sorry to have worried all of you." Yoko said.
"My...apologies, Yoko." George said.
"Seriously, guy, now you're apologizing!? Saying sorry doesn't just make it all better." Agito said.
"Go to hell, George! You're gonna get what's coming to you!" Zenji said.
"It's best you stop, Zenji. The fact that we can't lay a finger on him applies as well." Chikasu said. "That is... if this Judgment is the only way we can proceed." he said as an alarm started blaring.
"Judgment will now commence." a computerized voice said. "All participants are to take their place and begin preparations."
"Huh!? Wh-What was that…?" Marco asked.
"I guess it's starting, whether we're ready or not. We don't have much of a choice…" Toya said.
"So everyone votes to decide who to erase, huh?" Sho asked.
"I guess we lucked out. We all know exactly who to vote for." Zenji said.
"George, do you have anything to say for yourself?" Chikasu asked.
"No. It goes against my sense of justice to make any excuses." George said.
"Still yakking on about justice after taking a bird hostage? You really are a wanker." Mana said.
"Ha! Well, let's make things clear." Zenji said. "I'm casting my vote for you, George!"
"Kinda seems like the only choice in this situation, huh?" Agito asked.
"If we really have to do this… well… I'm sorry, George." Marco said.
"There was a reason why you did that, wasn't there, George? You didn't really mean to kill me, right?" Yoko asked.
"Um… I think he kind of did." Chikasu said as George fell silent.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" Yoko asked.
"Judgment will now commence. All participants, please submit your vote." a voice said.
"Must we really do this?" Nagi asked.
"I don't like where this is going, everyone. I'm not hurt at all, see?" Yoko asked. "Let's stop this. There's no reason to follow whatever The End tells us."
"Hey, I agree with you. This whole thing sucks, big time, but what choice do we have?" Agito asked. "I mean, we can't stay locked in here forever."
"Time isn't on our side. Would you be OK if we sat around and let the world be destroyed?" Toya asked.
"That's not what I'm saying, it's just…" Nagi said.
"Do not hesitate." George said. "Each of you should all follow your own sense of justice."
"But… George…!" Yoko started.
"We don't have time to be arguing like this. Let's do it." Himeno said.
"Is there...no other alternative?" Sho asked.
"If there was, we would've taken it." Chikasu said.
The group all casted their votes, which caused the screens to flicker between different people before settling on…
…
…
George.
All screens then turn red with his portrait.
"I'd say that's a pretty reasonable outcome." Toya said.
"I have no regrets. I have merely acted according to my own sense of justice till the end!" George said. "May justice's glory be forever!" he shouted as a beam hit him, causing him to vanish leaving behind a peculiar stone.
"He's gone!?" Sho asked in shock.
"How'd he… Did he just disappear?" Marco asked.
"(I can only hope that George would live a new, better life in whatever world he ended up in. After all, The End didn't necessarily say kill when he was talking about this.)" Chikasu said.
"He didn't even leave a trace. If this were some magic show, I'd be real impressed." Mana said.
"(Exactly. Never found the body. That's usually a good sign that someone isn't really dead.)" Chikasu thought.
"How… Where'd he go? Is this a joke?" Yoko asked.
"So he was erased, just like that. Or rather… we erased him." Toya said.
"How's that work!? He just...vanishes?" Zenji asked.
"So what The End said really was true…" Sho said.
"About there being traitors among us? Seems like it." Chikasu said.
"Plural? Are you telling me there's more?" Agito asked.
"We can't say for certain, but now that we know there really was a traitor, will we be able to trust each other?" Himeno asked.
"I'd say it's unlikely, unadvisable even, that we trust each other, now that we have seen the traitor wasn't a bluff." Sojiro said. "It appears The End has succeeded in sowing discord among us."
"So... I really can't trust anyone, huh?" Marco asked.
"Fine by me! I wasn't planning on trusting any of you in the first place." Zenji said.
"Hm? What's that?" Chikasu asked as the screens disappeared and reappeared into a spiral staircase. "A staircase."
"Looks like we have our way out. How honorable of The End… I'm almost disappointed in him." Toya said.
"What do we do? Should we try looking for George?" Yoko asked.
"I don't think that'll do any good. He disappeared without a trace. No one knows where he ended up." Chikasu said.
"I cannot accept that!" Yoko said.
"I don't want to either." Chikasu said.
"So is he… Is he dead?" Marco asked.
"Without a proper body for me to examine, I can't really answer that." Sojiro said.
"This might be me being an optimist, but I'd like to believe that he isn't dead and just transported to a different world where he can live a new, better life." Chikasu said.
"Geez… I mean, we get to keep going, but I still feel really bad about all this." Agito said.
"It really can't be helped, can it?" Mana asked. "Someone we thought was our comrade turned out to be a traitor, plus gotten erased. And furthermore, there may even be other traitors to boot."
"Yes, that could pose a problem. But nonetheless, we should keep going. If we dawdle here, the world will come to an end." Chikasu said. "We have to do it for George's sake, too."
"Chikasu's right, I think. The game is changing, and we need to adapt to survive." Toya said.
"You all say that, but… What if there is another traitor?" Marco asked.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get there." Toya said.
"I feel you're being overly optimistic, but I understand what you're getting at. There's no helping it given the situation." Nagi said.
"So much for one big happy family…" Agito said.
"Alright. Let's go." Yoko said. "I want to believe that there aren't any more traitors among us."
"Neither do I, but apparently that's not how these things tend to work." Chikasu said.
"I don't have much faith in any of you. You step outta line, and I'll take you out myself." Zenji said.
"That sentiment applies to you as well. You'd best watch yourself." Sojiro said.
"The camaraderie of this bunch, huh?" Chikasu asked.
"I know what you mean. But we'll just have to make do." Sho said.
Chikasu nodded as he picked up the stone George left behind. "If no one has any objections, then let's go."
A/N: Oh, man! Only the first Judgment and things have already gone to hell for this group. In case you couldn't tell, George was the fixed traitor of the first playthrough. It was a tie between him, Marco and Nagi, but since the fixed traitor was in that tie, I thought I'd treat you to this scene anyway. The key to this was in the opening where George clearly had a sword to Yoko's throat. The vote was almost unanimous with George's vote being random because he can't vote for himself. So yeah, everyone basically voted for him. Later on in the original game, this will be important because you'll see some indecisive votes and people voting for those they don't like. This is where the player starts managing their trust levels. But at this Judgment, it was inevitable. The traitor just jumped the gun and exposed themselves early. Speaking of which, for the next two polls, I'll be putting in a three-vote limit, since there are supposedly three suspicious people in every floor. Also, this gives it a good chance of there not being a tie this time. Anyways, that's all for today, and I'll see you all next chapter.
